Family Adventure in the Heart of the Andes: Exploring Huascaran National Park

A Day of Awe in the Andes

Today was a day where the grandeur of nature truly took my breath away. From the turquoise waters of Quebrada de Llanganuco to the sweeping vistas from Mirador Cordillera Blanca, Huascaran National Park revealed its majestic beauty in ways I couldn't have imagined. It's days like these that remind me why I cherish these family adventures so deeply.


Experience the stunning beauty of Quebrada de Llanganuco, a breathtaking natural wonder in Peru, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Jose Olaya in Huaraz. Though it wasn't exactly a restaurant but more like a vibrant street fair, the cozy atmosphere and the promise of traditional Peruvian flavors drew us in. I opted for the arroz chaufa de costillar, a flavorful rice dish with ribs, recommended by a local. It was the perfect fuel for the day’s adventures ahead. The kids enjoyed some fresh bread straight from a stone oven, which was quite the experience.

With our bellies full, we set off towards Quebrada de Llanganuco, a stunning mountain valley known for its turquoise lakes. The drive itself was an experience, with winding roads offering glimpses of the Cordillera Blanca's snow-capped peaks. As we approached the entrance to Huascaran National Park, the air grew crisper, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. October in Huascaran is moderately chilly and humid, but cool, which meant layers were essential.

The legend says the two lakes, Chinancocha (female lake) and Orconcocha (male lake), are connected in such a way that their waters symbolize a mating ritual. The turquoise color of the water is mesmerizing, surrounded by forests of Queñua trees and flanked by the towering Huandoy, Yanapaccha, and Huascarán peaks. Lila was particularly fascinated by the reflections of the mountains in the water, and Hans-Peter, ever the photographer, was in his element, capturing the stunning scenery from every angle.

We decided to take a short boat ride on Laguna Chinancocha, which offered a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. As we glided across the water, the guide shared stories of the area, including the legend of the lakes and the history of the 1970 earthquake that devastated the nearby town of Yungay. It was a sobering reminder of the power of nature, but also a testament to the resilience of the Peruvian people.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

After our time at Quebrada de Llanganuco, we drove towards Mirador Cordillera Blanca, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Cordillera Blanca. The road to the mirador was a zigzagging climb, each turn revealing a more breathtaking vista than the last. As we reached the top, the full splendor of the Cordillera Blanca unfolded before us. The snow-capped peaks, the deep valleys, and the clear blue sky created a scene of unparalleled beauty.


Experience the stunning beauty of the Andes at Mirador de la Cordillera Blanca, a must-visit tourist attraction in Peru offering breathtaking panoramic views.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude. Here we were, a family from Munich, standing in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. It was a moment that transcended language and culture, a shared experience of pure wonder. Hans-Peter pointed out the various peaks, naming Huascarán, Huandoy, and Chopicalqui. Lila, ever curious, peppered us with questions about the glaciers and the wildlife. It was moments like these that made our family trips so special – a chance to learn, explore, and connect with each other in the embrace of nature.

For lunch, we stopped at Callejón Restaurante Huaraz. Finding it was a bit of a challenge since callejonrestaurante.com has expired, but we eventually found it. The meal was simple but satisfying, with hearty Andean fare that warmed us from the inside out. We shared stories of our morning adventures, laughing and reminiscing about the stunning sights we had seen.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Callejón Restaurante in Anta, Huaraz – where every dish tells a story.

In the late afternoon, we made a stop at REGALOS Y DETALLES EL CHINITO to pick up some souvenirs. I wanted to find something that would remind us of our time in Huascaran National Park, something that would capture the essence of this incredible place. After browsing through the various handicrafts and trinkets, I settled on a hand-painted ceramic plate depicting the Cordillera Blanca. It was a simple but beautiful piece, a perfect reminder of our day amidst the giants of the Andes.


Explore the vibrant gift shop Regalos y Detalles El Chinito in Carhuaz for unique Peruvian handicrafts and memorable souvenirs.

As we drove back to our campsite, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the mountains. The sky was ablaze with color, a fiery spectacle that marked the end of another unforgettable day. We decided to have dinner at Mi Comedia - Pizzeria. The inviting ambiance and the aroma of freshly baked pizza were too tempting to resist. It was a taste of Italy in the heart of the Andes, a delightful contrast to the traditional Peruvian cuisine we had been enjoying.


Discover Mi Comedia - Pizzeria: A taste of Italy in Huaraz, renowned for delicious pizzas and warm hospitality.

The restaurant was cozy, adorned with rustic decor that reminded me of a small trattoria in Italy. The friendly service made us feel right at home, and the pizzas were delicious, crafted with fresh ingredients and a passion for flavor. Lila devoured her Margherita, while Hans-Peter and I savored a more adventurous pizza with local Andean cheese and herbs. It was the perfect way to end our day, a moment of simple pleasure shared with the people I love most.

Tomorrow, we are planning to hike to Lake 69 and visit Glaciar Pastoruri. I am excited to see what other wonders Huascaran National Park has in store for us. I am also conscious of the need to acclimatize, so I will make sure we take it easy and drink plenty of water.

Back at our campsite, as I write this, the stars are beginning to appear, twinkling like diamonds against the dark canvas of the night sky. The air is cold, but we are warm and snug in our tent, filled with the memories of another incredible day. I am grateful for this opportunity to share these experiences with my family, to witness the beauty of the world, and to connect with each other in ways that transcend the ordinary. As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but smile, knowing that tomorrow will bring new adventures, new discoveries, and new memories to cherish.

And as I reflect on our day, I realize that it's not just the stunning scenery that makes this place so special. It's the people, the culture, and the spirit of adventure that permeate every corner of Huascaran National Park. It's a place where you can connect with nature, with yourself, and with others in ways that you never thought possible. It's a place that will stay with me long after we have left, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in our world, waiting to be discovered.

I am also reminded of the importance of responsible tourism. Huascaran National Park is a fragile ecosystem, and it's our responsibility to protect it for future generations. We must be mindful of our impact, respect the local culture, and support sustainable practices. By doing so, we can ensure that this incredible place remains a treasure for all to enjoy.

As I close my eyes, I whisper a silent prayer of gratitude for this day, for my family, and for the opportunity to experience the magic of Huascaran National Park. Tomorrow, we will continue our journey, seeking new adventures and creating new memories. But for now, I will rest, knowing that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, surrounded by the beauty of the Andes and the love of my family.